How’s your gym website design holding up?
If it’s been a few years since you touched it, then you’re probably overdue to punch it up with some of the newest high-performing tools to attract new members and boost engagement.
And if you’re just starting out, then you need to be aware of which gym website design elements are right for you, and which you can confidently let pass.
Gym website design can be tricky, particularly if you put the “design” before the business. It can be tempting, with so many amazing digital tools out there now.
But remember the old warning against putting “form over function.” You want a website that serves your business, not one that is just cool for the sake of being cool. And all gym website design should start and end with the gym’s identity, purpose, and target customer in mind.
If visitors can’t tell right away who you are, what you offer, and who you help, then all the glitzy design in the world is pointless.
And don’t forget to cover the basics, like your address, phone number and hours. Make your Call to Action (CTA) obvious. Offer a lead magnet in exchange for email addresses.
You would be amazed how many people forget these!
Read “Build a High-Converting Fitness Business Website”
That bit of Gym Website Design 101 out of the way, let’s look at how you can modernize your gym’s online presence to ensure it stands out from the competition and hooks the right people to grow your business.
Start with Mobile in Mind
The days of desktop computers being dominant are far behind us. Everyone should know by now to make their websites responsive, meaning they adjust for display on phones and tablets.
But some designers are now suggesting you start with mobile, including one of our web design collaborators, 321goproject.com, which says:
“Users coming from TikTok and Instagram are almost certainly on mobile devices. A mobile-first approach ensures that your website provides a seamless experience on smaller screens, which is crucial for keeping these users engaged.”
A mobile-first design puts mobile users at the top of your priority list and scales up to larger screens, so everyone has a seamless experience on any device.
You’ll get more engagement, and some search engines prioritize mobile-friendly sites.
Quality and Optimization
The visual content must be high quality, so don’t use photos that get “blown out” in fuzzy pixelation. Make sure they’re optimized to load quickly; you don’t want a visitor to get tired of waiting and move on.
Use these images to show what’s unique about your business – and a little about your gym’s personality. Are you flashy and zippy? Subdued and quietly determined? Do you want teenagers to join, or high-demand executives?
Use Interactive Features
Your gym website design must include online class booking systems, virtual tours, and other ways for people to learn more about you at their own pace. If you offer recorded workouts, even samples, or live streaming, then highlight that for visitors.
Steadfast Performance Training’s online schedule is updated to show how many people are registered for each session, and how many openings remain, along with other useful information. It’s not just static.
Quizzes and polls are fun for prospects and members, alike.
More and more gyms are using chatbots to engage visitors and creating automated texting and email responses to go out right away.
Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots can elevate your gym’s online presence. AI-powered chatbots can provide instant responses to inquiries, assist with class bookings, and even offer personalized fitness advice. These modern technologies can operate 24/7, ensuring constant engagement with visitors.
If someone’s looking around for a gym, they might be more likely to talk with you at that time, rather than later, whenever your sales team might get around to reaching out; the prospect might not be in the mood by then.
Gamification
Incorporate gamification elements into your website and app to make fitness more fun and engaging. Features like challenges, leaderboards, and rewards can motivate members to stay active.
Friendly competition is great for building a sense of community.
You can also incorporate unique elements about your fitness approach. On its website, Shift Adapt links frequently to its breath assessment, which shows how sensitive you might be to CO2, “where our nervous system is, and how reactive we are to stress.”
It gives not only interaction, but also relevant information that might make a visitor curious for more.
Make It Easy
Your gym website design must feature intuitive navigation and clean, uncluttered layout. People should be able to find what they’re looking for right away.
Use clear headings, concise menus, and logical categorization.
Keep copy blocks short and visually light, with plenty of white space. Nothing is more of a turnoff than endless scrolls of text.
Use video and infographics as much as possible.
Keeping your site clean keeps people on it longer, boosts the likelihood of conversion, and is a good public-facing image for your gym.
Some Classics to Keep
Don’t scoff at traditional gym website design features necessarily. Some can still be powerful, such as:
· Blogs, regularly updated with compelling articles, recipes, workout tips and more
· Success stories, because shoppers want to see people like themselves who have gained from your gym
· Connecting to your social media channels
These tried-and-true tactics are good for SEO and attracting organic traffic, plus they let visitors get a fuller sense of who you are and what you’re about – to know you, like you, and trust you.
Get Personal
Personalization can significantly enhance the user experience. Implement member portals where users can track their progress, book classes, and access personalized workout plans. Use data and analytics to offer tailored recommendations and promotions.
This makes them feel valued and appreciate your range of services.
Community & Values
Consider a page in your gym website design for links to your community partners, news about local fitness and recreational events, and your corporate values.
Ask your partners to link back to your website, too, for increased SEO – and to show you’re a trusted member of the community.
If you have “green” initiatives in place or support a local charity, tell everyone here.
E-commerce Integration
Connect an e-commerce platform into your website where members can purchase gym merchandise, supplements, and fitness equipment. Offering an online store can add a new revenue stream and provide convenience for members.
And, again, branding builds community, a sense of pride among members.
Conclusion
The Internet is always changing, and it’s important to keep up – without constantly running around trying to keep up with every latest gadget or app that comes along.
“By focusing on mobile-first design, high-impact visuals, personalization, fast load times, engaging content and more, you can modernize your gym’s online presence to attract and convert newcomers while serving current members, too.
Your website is a basic point of contact for your business. It remains the point of introduction for many of your prospects. So, invest time and effort into staying current and providing the best service possible for them and the best results for your business.
For more priceless information about growing your business, you can’t miss “51 Ways to Acquire Clients Without Facebook Ads.” Get it here.